Team Barloworld is ready to take on new challenges in 2009 as the team continues
to grow and develop thanks to the support of its South African sponsor. Team
Manager Claudio Corti has created a successful team in just three years based
on the ideals of professionalism, excellent organization and results, and intends
to continue the development by focusing on the talented young riders in the
team.

The British-registered team will again ride Bianchi bikes, with 16 riders in
the 2009 line-up. “In the last two years we’ve achieved excellent
results that could have justified us continuing the same strategy but we feel
it’s the right moment to make a change in direction” Corti said. “Knowing
we have extremely talented young riders in the team, we’ve decided to give
them a chance to show what they can do. In the past we’ve proved we can
help riders rebuild their careers but now we’re going to focus our development
skills and management experience to help our young riders emerge and be successful.”

The only new rider at Team Barloworld in 2009 will be Italian Michele Merlo.
The 24 year-old sprinter won ten races in 2008 and will join the pack of talented
young riders in the team that also includes John Lee Augustyn, Chris Froome,
Daryl Impey and Geraint Thomas. “Thomas deserves a special mention following
his gold medal success with the Great Britain team pursuit squad on the track
at the Beijing Olympics. He will now focus on the road and we’re convinced
he can do well. He’s an excellent team player and of a course a very good
time trialist.” Corti explained.

Mauricio Soler and Robert Hunter remain as the experienced team captains at
Team Barloworld in 2009 after an unfortunate 2008 season. Most of Soler’s
year was affected by crashes but after making a full recovery, he is determined
to show he is one of the best climbers in the world, as he proved in 2007 by
winning a stage and the climber’s jersey in the Tour de France. Britain’s
Stephen Cummings will be another key rider after his strong riding in 2008,
and the same can be said for Patrick Calcagni, Gianpaolo Cheula and Francesco
Bellotti, who will return from a string of injuries.

Felix Cardenas will again use his experience for the good of the team, as will
Paolo Longo Borghini, Marco Corti, Diego Caccia and Carlo Scognamiglio. With
their determination, enthusiasm and tenacity, they will continue to give Team
Barloworld the same spirit that has lead to so much success in the last two
years.

All the riders will again have the excellent support and professionalism of
directeur sportives Alberto Volpi and Valerio Tebaldi. Team Manager Claudio
Corti has planned the rider’s medical check-ups for the second week in
December at the ‘Nuova Dimensione Sport’ clinic directed by team doctor
Massimiliano Mantovani, while the team’s training camp will be held in
the third week of January. Before then the technical staff will work intensely
on team’s 2009 racing programme.